Best Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

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WHAT IS Hyperhidrosis?

Axillary Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating in the armpits can cause embarrassing wet marks on shirts. Plantar Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating of the feet and is a known cause of foot odour. Less commonly, patient may have excessive sweating of the trunk or thighs

Sweating is a natural body function needed for the regulation of body-temperature. There are five million sweat glands throughout the body and about 2/3 of these gland are located in the hands. The secretion of sweat is controlled by the sympathetic or (vegetative) nervous system. In some people (1% of the population), the nerves are over-stimulated and sweat is produced far greater than needed to keep a constant temperature. This condition is referred to as Hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating may be episodic or continuous. Profuse sweating may be caused by warm weather, emotional stress, or occur without any reason. Hyperhidrosis may be part of an underlying medical condition (secondary Hyperhidrosis) or may be of unknown cause (primary Hyperhidrosis). In general, secondary Hyperhidrosis involves the entire body. Diseases or medical conditions causing secondary Hyperhidrosis include hyperthyroidism, endocrine treatment for malignant diseases, psychiatric disorders, obesity and menopause. Primary Hyperhidrosis, or sweating without known cause is also termed idiopathic or essential Hyperhidrosis. This is a much more common condition than secondary Hyperhidrosis and may occur in one or several location s of the body. The hands, feet and armpits are the most common locations. The condition usually starts during adolescence and is lifelong. Nervousness and anxiety can precipitate excessive sweating.

TREATMENT OF Hyperhidrosis

In secondary Hyperhidrosis, the underlying medical condition should be treate the first. For example, patients with hyperthyroidism should have treatment directed at their endocrine disease. Those patients with psychiatric diseases such as anxiety disorders should seek pyschiatric care. Treatment options for primary Hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, iontophoresis, drugs and botulinum toxin injections and surgery.

Iontophoresis may help if you have excessive sweating that affects your hands or feet. It can also be used to treat armpits, although this is usually less effective. Iontophoresis involves treating affected areas of skin with a weak electric current passed through water or a wet pad.

Therapy for hyperhidrosis can be challenging for both the patient and the physician. Both topical and systemic medications have been used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Other treatment options for hyperhidrosis include iontophoresis and botulinum toxin injections.

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